Westpac appoints Richard Heeley as technology chief
- Westpac has appointed Richard Heeley as its new chief information officer to lead its technology transformation later this year.
- The announcement followed a 1% gain in the bank's stock price during the prior trading session amid investor rotation into financials.
- The executive transition aims to accelerate the modernisation of core infrastructure, cybersecurity, and engineering capabilities.
Westpac Banking (ASX:WBC) has appointed Richard Heeley as its chief information officer to oversee the group's technology infrastructure, cyber security, and engineering systems starting later this year.
Heeley will succeed outgoing chief information officer Scott Collary, who is retiring later this year following a four-year tenure overseeing the bank's initial technology overhaul.
“Richard will lead the next phase of Westpac’s technology transformation, building on recent progress to modernise core systems, lift resilience and strengthen the bank’s cyber and technology capabilities,” said Westpac Banking Corporation CEO Anthony Miller.
The incoming executive will join Westpac after serving as the chief information officer for banking and financial services at Macquarie Group since 2016.
Following the announcement, the Westpac Banking Corporation share price was up at $35.73.
Heeley previously held technology transformation and programme management positions at Nationwide Building Society, Barclays, and JPMorgan Chase in the United Kingdom.
The major lender stated that Heeley will work in partnership with its existing digital and artificial intelligence divisions to streamline consumer platforms.
